December 16, 2024 – According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to launch its first foldable device in 2028. Gurman described the device as “similar to a giant iPad, the size of which, when unfolded, is equivalent to two iPad Pros placed side by side.”
Rumors about Apple developing a foldable device have circulated for years, and Bloomberg’s report indicates that Apple is currently focusing on a product that will be released in a few years.
The report also highlights Apple’s commitment to eliminating creases on its devices, which has been a key focus during the development process. Currently, the prototype’s crease is almost invisible, but Apple has not completely eliminated it. “The prototype from Apple’s industrial design department has an almost invisible crease,” Gurman noted. “However, it’s too early to judge whether Apple can completely eliminate it. Samsung, which launched the first foldable phone five years ago, tried to eliminate the crease but failed.”
It is reported that the screen size of this device is approximately 20 inches when unfolded. Gurman described it as “a complete, uninterrupted piece of glass” and positioned it as a “high-end device.” Apple’s foldable device strategy seems to focus on creating a large-screen device that can fit into a backpack, rather than providing a less-than-ideal tablet that can fit into a pocket.
Regarding the operating system, Gurman speculated that the product might run a version of iPadOS. However, an interesting detail he mentioned is: “I don’t think it will be a true iPad-Mac hybrid, but the device will have elements of both. By 2028, iPadOS should be sufficiently advanced to run macOS applications…” It remains unclear whether this is just Gurman’s speculation, but the possibility of running Mac applications on this foldable iPad (and potentially other iPads) is still exciting.
As for a foldable iPhone, Apple is also exploring this concept, but it is unlikely to be released until at least 2026.
It’s worth noting that the Wall Street Journal reported today that Apple is developing the largest MacBook in history, equipped with a 19-inch foldable screen. However, it’s currently unclear whether this refers to the same foldable iPad mentioned by Gurman.
